Sokoto protest erupts over Islamic cleric’s detention

A protest by youths demanding the release of Islamic cleric Dahiru Mai Barewa caused temporary tension in parts of Sokoto metropolis on Monday, with security personnel deployed after some demonstrators allegedly attempted to force his release.

The protesters reportedly blocked some roads and gathered at different locations in the city, objecting to a court order that directed Mai Barewa’s re-arrest and remand.

Mai Barewa is facing allegations of issuing death threats against Islamic scholars, Sheikh Musa Ayyuba Lukuwa and Malam Murtala Bello Assada.

The protesters insisted that the cleric should be released, calling for justice and respect for due process. The demonstration, however, reportedly turned confrontational when some youths allegedly attacked security personnel.

“They attempted to take the law into their own hands and forcefully free him from custody,” a source familiar with the incident said.

Security operatives subsequently moved in to contain the situation and prevent the protest from escalating, resulting in temporary disruption to vehicular movement in some parts of the metropolis.

The case against Mai Barewa reportedly followed a series of videos in which he was allegedly heard making threats against Lukuwa and Assada.

Assada had previously alleged that the threats were reported to security agencies, claiming that Mai Barewa made repeated threats against the two clerics in several videos.

Reports indicate that Mai Barewa linked his alleged comments against Lukuwa to remarks attributed to the scholar concerning the parents of Prophet Muhammad (SAW). In another video, he reportedly spoke about disagreements involving some authorities.

The allegations subsequently led to legal proceedings, culminating in the court order for Mai Barewa’s re-arrest and continued remand.

His supporters have rejected the decision, with some members of the community arguing that his detention should be addressed through due process. The dispute has attracted considerable attention in Sokoto because of the religious issues surrounding the case and the support the cleric enjoys among some youths.

The latest protest has prompted renewed appeals for restraint, with stakeholders urging supporters to pursue their grievances through the courts rather than confronting security agencies.

“People should not take the law into their own hands. If there is a grievance, it should be addressed through the appropriate legal channels,” a stakeholder said.

Calm was later restored in the affected areas, while residents were urged to remain peaceful and avoid actions capable of disrupting public order.